Tom Cruise has spoken candidly about working alongside Nicole Kidman in the iconic 1999 film “Eyes Wide Shut,” breaking years of silence to share insights on the powerful collaboration that captivated movie audiences worldwide. In a recent interview featured in Sight and Sound magazine’s June issue, Cruise discussed the behind-the-scenes story of filming the provocative drama with Kidman and legendary director Stanley Kubrick, offering rare details on how the trio worked together to create cinematic history.
According to Cruise, preparations for “Eyes Wide Shut” began with an extraordinary meeting at Kubrick’s home, where he landed his own helicopter in the director’s backyard after reading the script just the day before. Describing his first conversation with Kubrick, Cruise recalled,
This important decision set the stage for Nicole Kidman to portray Alice Harford opposite Cruise’s Dr. Bill Harford, a married couple confronting hidden secrets and personal desire. The film plunges viewers into Manhattan’s mysterious nightscape after Alice confesses deep feelings of dissatisfaction, spurring Bill’s journey into a secretive underworld. Notably, Cruise and Kidman’s intense on-screen relationship offered a stark contrast to their real-life marriage, as the actors were then a celebrated couple both on and off the set.
Cruise emphasized to Kubrick, underlining his dedication to a role that demanded deep emotional commitment and trust. Speaking about his overall process, Cruise told the outlet,
Throughout filming, rumors often swirled regarding the potential influence of the movie’s complex themes on the real marriage between Nicole Kidman and Cruise. However, Kidman later clarified these perceptions in a 2020 interview with The New York Times.
Nicole Kidman stated when asked if portraying Alice had brought “negative feelings” into their actual relationship. She further revealed,
The private and public aspects of Nicole Kidman and Cruise’s relationship have often driven media speculation, though both stars have generally avoided extensive discussions about their divorce, which occurred in 2001, two years after “Eyes Wide Shut” was released. Reflecting on her openness as a public figure, Nicole Kidman told Harper’s Bazaar in 2021,
Since those events, Nicole Kidman has moved forward, marrying music star Keith Urban and raising two daughters, while Cruise’s later marriage to Katie Holmes also ended in separation. Their collaboration in “Eyes Wide Shut” remains a milestone in film history, celebrated for its daring storytelling and emotional honesty. The film continues to intrigue viewers with its portrayal of desire and trust, a testament to the talents of Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise, and Stanley Kubrick.
The broader significance of Nicole Kidman’s partnership with Cruise in “Eyes Wide Shut” extends far beyond the movie itself. This collaboration not only highlighted their capabilities as performers but also showcased the strength of their artistic vision under Kubrick’s direction. As the impact of this film endures, their shared experience sets a high bar for future cinematic partnerships and continues to inspire both audiences and aspiring actors alike.
